La Liga: Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid to duke it out for the title
The La Liga title could move across Madrid this weekend. Atlético Madrid currently hold the upper hand heading into the final round of fixtures. It is between them and Real Madrid as to who will be crowned champions. In this preview, we will run the rule over Saturday’s matches — Real Valladolid v Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid v Villarreal.
Atlético Madrid in control of their own title destiny after late Osasuna drama
Atlético Madrid haven’t always made life easy for themselves, and that was evident against Osasuna last Sunday. Trailing to a Budimir strike in the 75th minute, Atlético were on level terms when Renan Lodi levelled seven minutes later before Luis Suarez scored a late winner. Atlético haven’t lifted the title since 2014, but they are now in control of their own title destiny.
An away victory at Real Valladolid will clinch the title for Atlético. Diego Simeone’s charges have topped the table since November, but at one stage saw a 10-point lead evaporate. Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat away to Celta de Vigo last weekend means it is a two-horse race now. Atlético Madrid will therefore be determined to prevent their cross-town rivals from snatching the title.
- Atlético Madrid to beat Real Valladolid @4/9 with Casumo
- Real Valladolid @11/2 to beat Atlético Madrid
Luis Suarez looking to end the season on a high with Atlético
Luis Suarez has been exceptional for Atlético this term. He took his tally for the season to 20 with his strike against Osasuna. While the Pichichi Trophy will be awarded to Lionel Messi as La Liga’s highest goalscorer once again, Suarez’s goals have been invaluable for Atlético. He has produced at crucial times and his contributions could propel his side to La Liga glory.
Diego Simeone wants fans to ‘feel proud’
Since taking charge of Atlético in 2011, Simeone has seen his side evolve. This term, they have excited and provided a vibrant brand of football. For Simeone, Atlético could threaten Real and Barcelona once again next term. Ahead of the Valladolid clash, Simeone said: “I want the fans to continue to feel proud of what we have done.”
Real Valladolid hoping to avoid drop this weekend
While much of the pre-match focus will centre around Atlético, Valladolid have problems of their own to contend with. Valladolid must beat Atlético, and then hope results go their way to avoid relegation. They have been very leaky at the back, conceding 55 times in La Liga. It is hard to make a case for Valladolid to pull off an escape act.
Real Madrid still in title picture going into the final day
Real have been relentless in their pursuit of Atlético all season. While it may have seemed that a 2-2 draw at Sevilla would hurt them, Zinedine Zidane’s men should be commended for keeping on Atlético’s coattails. A 1-0 win away to Athletic Bilbao last weekend ensured Real are just two points behind Atlético going into their final game of the campaign.
Real have previously experienced the heartache of losing two league titles on the final day of the season. Were they to capture the title on Saturday, it would represent one of Zidane’s greatest achievements as Los Blancos boss. Meanwhile, Zidane has strenuously denied telling the players he will leave the club after the season finishes. Everyone must pull in the same direction now!
While winning the Europa League is Villarreal’s only viable route to securing a Champions League berth next term, a top-six finish is still at stake. Unai Emery’s men are currently seventh in the table with 58 points, level on points with sixth-placed Real Betis. The yellow submarine could play the role of party poopers at the weekend, but European football is a must for them.
Real Madrid v Villarreal: Looking back on past clashes
Real will feel they can seize the title and pen another chapter to their already illustrious history. And they will be relishing facing Villarreal, whom they have a far superior record against in the head-to-head stakes. Real and Villarreal have faced each other 51 times in La Liga, and Real have claimed 23 wins, while Villarreal have tasted victory on just four occasions.
In the corresponding fixture earlier this term, Villarreal and Real played out a 1-1 draw. But Real, on home soil, haven’t lost to Villarreal in over three years. That result was something of an anomaly as Real have usually got the better of Villarreal. Last term, Real clinched a 2-1 victory at home against Villarreal, with Karim Benzema helping himself to a double.
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